How Much Electricity Do Electric Fireplaces Use?

Typical Electricity Usage

• Electric fireplaces use only about 1500 watts of electricity. Operational costs range between .003 cents to 3 cents per hour when you use them strictly for decorative purposes, where the flames are activated but no heat is produced. If they are set so the heater powers on and off, the 50 percent usage setting, they use about 9 cents an hour in electricity. However, if you really want to keep the room warm and set the heat at the maximum level, the cost doubles to 18 cents an hour. Considering a combination of these settings, it costs between $50 and $80 a year to use an electric fireplace, considerably less than the annual cost for a gas fireplace with costs ranging between $200 and $500 annually. Costs fluctuate by geographic region and variations in electric utility costs.

BTU Ratings

• The heat output for electric fireplaces is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). A standard electric fireplace puts out around 5,000 BTUs, about the same as a residential space heater, and can adequately warm a small to medium size room. Some manufacturers make more powerful electric fireplaces that produce 7,500 or 10,000 BTUs to heat larger rooms at increased energy costs.

Electric Fireplace Advantages

• Unlike gas and wood burning fireplaces, electric fireplaces require no chimneys, ducts or vents. This feature keeps all of the heat inside the house instead of part of it escaping outside, heat loss that can be 50 percent or more in wood burning fireplaces. Electric fireplaces require no gas lines, and there is no need to refill propane tanks or pay for natural gas service. Most models plug into a standard 120-volt household outlet, though some larger units may be hardwired for 240 volts.

Safety Features

• Since electric fireplaces do not get hot enough to ignite surrounding materials, they can be safely installed in wood, drywall, tile or stone enclosures. Nothing actually burns in an electric fireplace, so it is free of sparks, smoke, fumes and chemicals. If you place the fireplace in a glass enclosure, the glass will radiate the heat but never become hot enough to burn children or pets.